Senator Fuschillo Announces Freeport’s Stephen Nicolino Inducted Into Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that Freeport resident Stephen Nicolino has been inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. Mr. Nicolino was named to the Hall of Fame by Senator Fuschillo.

     “Stephen Nicolino is a devoted and tireless advocate for our nation’s heroes. He has organized numerous service projects to aid local veterans, soldiers fighting overseas, and the community as a whole, and continues to serve in many different community organizations. His many years of service to his fellow veterans and the community make him most deserving of this honor, and it is my pleasure to congratulate him,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     Stephen Nicolino comes from a family with a long history of service to our nation. His father and four brothers all served in the armed forces and his two sisters worked in the defense industry during World War II. Mr. Nicolino followed in that proud family tradition, serving in the Air Force from 1952-1956. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, and New York State Medal for Merit.

     After his military discharge, Mr. Nicolino served his fellow veterans with the same passion and dedication that he served his country. He is a long-time member and past-Commander of the Freeport American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He maintains a leadership role in organizing Freeport’s Memorial Day Parade and Veterans Day services to ensure that the sacrifices of Freeport’s veterans are always remembered. He is also Chairman of Freeport’s Veterans Advisory Council.

     One of his most personal causes was installing signs on the Southern State Parkway and Long Island Expressway directing motorists to Long Island National Cemetery, which is the final resting place for over 325,000 American veterans, including Mr. Nicolino’s brother. After hearing from many individuals that they had trouble locating the cemetery to pay their respects to the veterans, Mr. Nicolino spent years spearheading the effort to get the signs installed, which they ultimately were in 2005.

     Mr. Nicolino also gives back to the community professionally. As the co-owner of Nicolino Construction, Mr. Nicolino and his brother, Al, donated their time and services to build a monument in Freeport to honor the local veterans who gave their lives in service to their country. Mr. Nicolino is also a past President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce.

     Mr. Nicolino and his wife, Mary Patricia, reside in Freeport. They are the proud parents of Stephen, Pattie Anne & Regina, and loving grandparents of 10 grandchildren.

     The Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes veterans from across the state for their extraordinary efforts in combat or for work performed after they were discharged from the service. Mr. Nicolino’s biography and photo were displayed in the Legislative Office Building in Albany as part of a display honoring the 2013 inductees into the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.